Mapping out the relationships of Type 2 diabetes patients with significant others

Purpose: To clarify how patients with type 2 diabetes viewed their relationship with their significant other prior to diabetes onset, and how they managed the relationship and lived after onset. Methods: Unstructured interviews were carried out using a phenomenological approach for 11 patients with type 2 diabetes and no severe complications, and the obtained data were interpreted. Results: Three themes were discovered and described: ( 1) The patient “naturally” cared for their significant other, but due to the circumstances of the relationship, it was impossible to devote sufficient energy to deal with their diabetes; (2) The patient is hurt emotionally when people around them bring up diabetes, but feels comfortable when people talk about the patient themselves; ( 3) The experience of understanding their position in the relationship with their significant other and finding ways to address this led to recognizing the value of the existence of significant others. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that when patients feel emotionally hurt, health professionals should consider the possibility that they may be concerned about their relationships with others. Being mindful of caring for those patients and being a good listener will facilitate the patients’ path towards resolving the problems they experience.